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Category: Team Dynamics

Stop Padding Your Estimates! There's A Better Way...

Stop Padding Your Estimates! There’s A Better Way…

When you pad an estimate, you typically increase your estimated effort/cost due to fear. I call this estimating from a place of weakness. You are afraid of the unexpected event, so hopefully padding it will cover it. When asked why you think something might take 50% longer or cost more than expectations, it leads to […]

Silence is not agreement; Don't let others hold their breath

Silence is not agreement; Don’t let others hold their breath

It’s not often, but I believe we have all experienced the meeting that goes too smoothly. There’s anywhere from four to eight people, trapped with each other for an hour, around our favorite conference table.

Project Retrospectives: When looking forward makes more sense than looking backward

Project Retrospectives: When looking forward makes more sense than looking backward

Recently a consultant asked me if I encourage teams to do a project postmortem or retrospective once a project is done.  The goal is to review what worked well and what didn’t.

Winning with “Project SD”

Winning with “Project SD”

Every team needs a process they can embrace because they know that process will get them to the desired result.

Announce Changes and Avoid Wig-Outs

Announce Changes and Avoid Wig-Outs

In previous posts, I have discussed best practices around Change Control. Or, maybe I should say “lack of best practices” since so many organizations either fail to follow a defined process or simply don’t have one.

So You Want A Promotion? "What Problem Are You Solving?"

So You Want A Promotion? “What Problem Are You Solving?”

I had an “AHA” about a great way to eliminate the more painful conversations around career growth and how to focus on true opportunities. It centers around the question: “In a particular role, what problem are you trying to solve?”

Solutioners are from Mars, Supporters are from Venus

Solutioners are from Mars, Supporters are from Venus

Are you a solutioner or a supporter? Uncover the difference and how to work together to set your teams up for success.

Facilitating A Panel Is Not So Different Than Facilitating A Requirements Session

Facilitating A Panel Is Not So Different Than Facilitating A Requirements Session

Facilitating a panel is not so different than facilitating a requirements session.

The Role Call: A New Practice to Set Your Team Up for Success

The Role Call: A New Practice to Set Your Team Up for Success

By ensuring that these four specific roles are incorporated into your team, you can increase your chances of project success.

Are You Holding Back Your Team’s Success?

Are You Holding Back Your Team’s Success?

How spending time ahead of time preparing for projects can benefit the team in the long run.